High-Performance Depth Filtration Solutions
Purecowater is proud to distribute ErtelAlsop’s premium line of depth filter media. For over 80 years, ErtelAlsop has been a leader in liquid filtration, manufacturing high-quality depth filter media designed to address critical filtration challenges across pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, and utility industries.
Depth filtration is a crucial step in processing liquids to ensure purity, clarity, and stability. Unlike surface filtration, depth media traps particles within the matrix of the filter, providing high solids-loading capacity and exceptional retention efficiency. ErtelAlsop optimizes their media for four main performance criteria: flow rate, loading capacity, efficiency, and pressure drop.
Product Lines and Technologies
ErtelAlsop offers a diverse range of filter media grades, allowing for precise matching to specific application requirements. The portfolio is primarily divided into the MicroMedia® and AlphaMedia™ series.
1. MicroMedia® Series: Critical Applications
The MicroMedia® series is the workhorse for critical applications requiring high retention efficiency and positive Zeta potential. These filter sheets are composed of cellulose, wet-strength resins, and inorganic filter aids such as Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Perlite.
- Composition: Cellulose, Resin, Filter Aids (DE/Perlite).
- Mechanism: Mechanical straining plus electro-kinetic adsorption (Zeta Potential).
- Regulatory: Components listed in 21CFR 176.170 (Food Contact).
MicroMedia® Variants:
| Grade Series | Key Components | Primary Application / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MicroMedia® | Cellulose, Resin, DE/Perlite | General clarification, haze reduction, and particle removal in F&B. |
| MicroMedia® XL | Cellulose, Resin, Celpure® DE | High Purity: Uses Celpure® (ultra-pure DE) for extremely low extractables and metal ions. Ideal for critical pharma processes. |
| MicroMedia® LXL | High Purity Cellulose, Celpure® DE | Bio-Pharmaceutical: Extremely low Beta-glucan content to reduce false-positive LAL tests. |
| MicroMedia® PXL | Double Layer Media | High Solids: A complex double-layer media designed for high contaminant loading and throughput (e.g., cell harvesting). |
| MicroMedia® L | High Purity Cellulose, No DE | Protein Sensitive: Designed for blood fractionation and proteins where DE is not desired. |
2. AlphaMedia™ Series: Mineral-Free Filtration
The AlphaMedia™ series is designed for applications where inorganic filter aids (like DE) are not permitted or required. These sheets rely on the properties of pure cellulose.
- AlphaMedia™ 100 Series: 100% pure cellulose with no resins or fillers. Ideal for edible oils, essential oil absorption, and applications sensitive to extractables.
- G-Series™: Cellulose combined with wet-strength resin. This creates a mineral-free media with a net positive charge (Zeta Potential), offering superior retention for haze and fine particulates without the use of DE.
Available Formats
ErtelAlsop media is available in scalable formats, ensuring that a process developed in the laboratory can easily transfer to full-scale production using the same media grade.
| Format | Description | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Depth Filter Sheets | Flat sheets available in various dimensions (die-cut shapes, holes, etc.). | Plate and frame filter presses; large surface area applications. |
| Lenticular Cartridges (Pak®) | Stacked discs inside a cartridge format (12” and 16” diameters). | Enclosed systems (housings) requiring easy change-outs and minimal leakage. |
| MicroCap® Capsules | Single-use disposable capsules. | Lab-scale testing, small batches, or processes requiring high containment (no cleaning validation needed). |
Technical Specifications Breakdown
When selecting the correct media, understanding the retention capabilities and operating conditions is vital. ErtelAlsop media covers a wide spectrum of retention ratings.
- Retention Ratings: Nominal ratings ranging from approximately 10µm down to 0.25µm.
- Sterilization: Most grades (specifically those with wet-strength resins) are capable of withstanding steam sterilization or autoclaving.
- Compatibility: Excellent chemical compatibility with a wide range of fluids, including alcohols, organic solvents, and aqueous solutions.
Applications by Industry
Pharmaceutical & Bio-Pharma
Removal of cell debris (harvesting), protein fractionation, and clarification of excipients. The XL and LXL series are specifically engineered to meet USP Class VI biological tests and minimize endotoxin/beta-glucan interference.
Food & Beverage
Clarification of distilled spirits, wines, syrups, and flavor extracts. The AlphaMedia™ G-Series is particularly popular for spirits filtration to remove haze without altering flavor profiles.
Chemical & Utility
Filtration of transformer oils, plating solutions, and silicone oils. High solids loading capacity ensures long cycle times and cost-effective operation.
Conclusion
ErtelAlsop’s depth filter media offers a versatile, scalable, and high-performance solution for solid-liquid separation. Whether you require the high-purity, low-extractable profile of the MicroMedia® XL series or the mineral-free absorption of the AlphaMedia™, Purecowater can help you select the precise grade and format for your process.
Ready to optimize your filtration process?